Taiwan gives $1 mil to Eisenhower Memorial campaign

Taiwan has offered $1 million to aid an effort that seeks to erect a monument in Washington to honor former US President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The president helped end the First Taiwan Strait Crisis in the 1950s.

“The donation will be given in grateful recognition of
President Eisenhower’s ‘staunch support for Taiwan’s security and
his strong commitment to the U.S.-[Republic of China]
relationship,’” the Eisenhower Memorial Commission said in a
news release.

The Taiwanese gift to the Eisenhower Memorial comes as organizers
of the $142-million project are pushing for at least $20 million
in private donations before they address Congress for additional
funding support, according to AP.

As president in the 1950s, Eisenhower promised the Republic of
China, based on the island of Taiwan, American defense from the
People's Republic of China on the Asian mainland.

In 1955, Congress passed the Formosa Resolution, which would protect
"territories in the West Pacific under the jurisdiction of
the Republic of China" from a possible invasion by the
People's Republic of China, Eisenhower vowed. The resolution led
to the US and the People's Republic agreeing to a cessation of
fighting in the Taiwan Straits, ending the First Taiwan Strait
Crisis.

“This year, which marks the 70th anniversary of the
conclusion of the Second World War, is a fitting occasion to
commemorate the many accomplishments of President Dwight D.
Eisenhower, who contributed so greatly to the final
victory," Lyushun Shen, head of the Taipei Economic and
Cultural Representative Office in the United States, wrote to US
Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kansas), chairman of the Eisenhower
Memorial Commission, on June 15.

Roberts said in a statement, “As the memorial to this great
man moves toward the final federal approvals required to begin
construction, we are appreciative that donors are coming forth
and expressing their support.”

Though the project has been in the works for 15 years, the
memorial effort won final approval from two federal bodies for
its design last week amid criticism from Eisenhower family
members.

Congress has allocated $60 million for the project's design and
planning. President Barack Obama's proposed 2016 budget added $68
million more for construction, though Congress has yet to
ultimately approve any funding.

Eisenhower gained national fame and adoration as the Supreme
Commander of Allied Forces in Europe during World War II.